#asolo rep

[shakespearenews]

Playwright Liz Duffy Adams, who conceived Born With Teeth (the title is borrowed from a line in Henry VI, Part 3), was inspired to write it several years ago, when scholars determined that Shakespeare and Marlowe had most likely collaborated on the Henry VI play cycle, back in the early 1590s. (One case where AI proved useful in research.) She and director Rob Melrose place us in an Elizabethan tavern back room where the two very different writers set out to, carefully, re-create some English history without stepping over any lines that would cause the censors, or Queen Elizabeth’s assassins, to get touchy.

[gaymormonmike]

INHERIT THE WIND

I recently saw the play with music, Inherit The Wind, at the Asolo/ U of South Fl theatre.  It was fantastic. I want to share why I think  it is still relevant. First some background. It is a play written by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee that opened on Broadway in 1955.It was based on the Scopes monkey trial in Tennessee in 1925. Tenn. had passed a law preventing the teaching of evolution to high school students. The ACLU wanted to challenge the law in court and arranged for a teacher to confess to teaching evolution.  The trial lawyers were 2 of the most famous attorneys in the nation. William Jennings Bryant, who ran for and lost the Presidency three times and Clarence Darrow. Lawrence and Lee had something more in mind than Biblical creation versus Darwin’s theories of evolution. They were responding to the McCarthy attacks on artists because of their alleged communists’ views. The play attacks the idea of disavowing critical thinking. The authors wanted us to question why children or anyone could not be exposed to many, diverse ideas and then use their own minds and power to think to determine the truth for them. They also wanted us to consider that rural America with its’ rigid views was passing away with the increase of urban living. They expressed that more open views were a healthier way of life.  The play has caught the imagination of so many as it has been made into motion pictures four times and the starring roles have been played by every important actor of the 20th century.

Now, in 2023, it is being staged in Florida. In my opinion, its’ relevance is even more important, especially in FL. Laws passed in Florida prevent the teaching of sexual and other topics to students in state schools. An even more restrictive law is being considered that would limit social media to people over the age of 18. Like the people in Tenn. in 1925, the legislature in Florida does not believe students can think for themselves. They want to prevent them from receiving information about various topics, including LBGTQA related topics in a school. And they also want to keep them from using social media. The censorship is scary. The magnificent play Inherit the Wind shows the stark contrast between forcing people to accept what some group wants them to accept versus allowing children and all people to hear and read various points of view and using critical thinking to come to their own decisions. I applaud Asolo Rep for their production and doing it at a time when Floridians need a reminder of what a fascist state really looks like.

[fireworkss-exe]

if I said I've been to the theater where bonnie and clyde had one of its first engagements would you guys believe me (dad and his family live in florida and they have passes to the ringling museum and asolo rep)

[jordansamrich]

Love's Labour's Lost - FSU/Asolo Rep

[tofangirlonly]

Thinking about that video of everyone singing happy birthday to Laura Osnes and Jeremy Jordan on opening night of Bonnie and Clyde at Asolo Rep and how it's not on YouTube anymore and how I miss it a lot.

[catstrophysics]

Asolo Repertory Theatre: Sweeney Todd. 

[niennanir]

I haven't been out to the theatre much lately, mostly because the trend for shows has been a little more on the grim side, and that's okay. The things I want to see on stage aren't necessarily what other people want to see. If you're familiar with the theatre scene in Sarasota you're probably looking at me like I'm batty because there is truly a dizzying array of options. Honestly, there just wasn't anything recently that made me go "Oh, I've got to see that." And then 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea opened.

"Oh, I've got to see that."

So last night I toddled down to the Asolo, and let me tell you something: I had no idea what I thought I was going to see, but it was not that. I'm not opposed to technology in theatre, strictly speaking, but I kind of favor the artistry of hand crafted design. I like the attention to detail in a traditional set. I did not miss it last night. Most of the set was created through digital projection, incredibly inventive use of digital projection, blended liberally with puppetry for some of the fish and wide angle effects. The giant angler fish swimming through the audience had the ladies sitting next to us gasping in excitement.

The script itself was exciting, a condensed, reworked version of the original plot designed to incorporate ocean conservation on a modern scale into the classic story. For most fandoms I'm a purist, (with the exception of comics where everything is canon divergent,) I get really waco when things stray too far from the source material and if you're like that for Vern, you're probably going to freak out. But I felt that most of the changes were in service of making the plot more relevant to a modern audience. Prof. Aronnax is played by a woman, our narrator is a 21st century doctoral candidate procrastinating on his thesis in Oceanography, the plot adjustments exist for either condensation or to allow openings to thread discussions about marine biology with actual scientist in the show's app.

The show has an app.

Post show you can watch video interviews in the app with researchers studying what you've just been watching on stage, and of course take some goofy selfies. It's pretty original, a code on stage allows you to unlock more content inside the app which was fun because it gave you something engaging to do during intermission.

And I've got to talk about the kids, because the production was offering discount tickets to parents bringing their kids to the show. At which point I usually cringe because younger kids tend to get bored fast in the theatre. About a third of last night's audience was under 14 and you really could not tell, the little guy in the row in front of us was about 7 and he came out of the show wide eyed and excited after being nearly silent the whole evening. Which was great to see, you can't love the theatre if you never find anything to love about the theatre. Pretty sure that's going to be a tough act to follow though.

Pre show I sat in on a lecture by Craig Francis, one of the producers, who talked about the use of the technology and integrating science into science fiction. They're hoping to take the show to Pasadena next so keep a lookout Cali. And if you're involved with theatre on your local level; This, this right here. If you have it on your stage you won't be sorry.

[if-only-angels-could-prevail]

collecting professional productions of the sound of music like infinity stones (stratford festival 2015, national tour 2016, asolo rep 2019, paramount theatre 2023)

[ashleyfiglow]

Anniversary celebration a couple days late at the theatre ❤️ The Sound of Music at Asolo Rep was amazing, so fun to see some great friends shining so brightly 🏔🎭 #soundofmusic #theatre (at Asolo Repertory Theatre) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5ZbcNiJYXz/?igshid=j9kllbb2tces

[upsmagazine]

Asolo Rep Scores in Timely Fashion with 'Eureka Day'

Asolo Rep Scores in Timely Fashion with ‘Eureka Day’

There’s a line from the Jean Renoir 1939 movie classic The Rules of the Game that is often worth quoting: “The awful thing about life is this: Everybody has their reasons.” That piece of wisdom sprang to mind after my viewing of Jonathan Spector’s play Eureka Dayonstage in an Asolo Rep production in the Cook Theatre. Renoir used the line in a very different context, but it seems applicable to the…

[katrinaofficial]

Bonnie & Clyde Broadway; Asolo Rep

Does anyone have a video of this show??

I really want to see this version!

[gaymormonmike]

MAN OF LA MANCHA

Musical based on Cervantes Don Quixote has relevance to me today. I saw the Asolo Rep production last night. It is superb. Mauricio Martinez sang The Impossible Dream just the way you want to hear it. I first saw Man of La Mancha at the Eden Theatre in New York City in 1971. It opened in a tent (1965) in Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village. Richard Kiley played the starring role and won a Tony for it. It moved to Broadway in March 1968. It had a brief showing at the Eden where I saw it and then moved back to Broadway. It had 2328 Broadway performances in all. I saw David Atkinson in the title role. He had an operatic tenor voice perfect for the role. Last night, I was moved in several ways by this wonderful story and amazing re-telling. Don Quixote is either a mad man or a God. He sees the world in ways no one else does. He is able to turn the hearts of the criminals he is imprisoned with due to his belief that he is a knight destined to save the world from danger, and wickedness. He sings about all the good and noble values of this life; Tops it with the Quest, the passion and life pursuit of the Impossible Dream. He converts Aldonza from a lowlife to Dulcinea, a woman of virtue. How does this story resonate with me? I felt the hope in my heart that goodness would prevail. I believed   that my attitude and affirming spirit can change myself and others to see their passion and destiny. It makes me believe that I can change because others see in me what I cannot see. As I read of the despair and the hopes of the queer community, I felt that the connection with the goodness of others and the hope we all must be able to be ourselves and to honor ourselves and to love ourselves is our Possible Dream.

[zeldaspeaksmindfulness]

Northlight Theatre continues free Interplay series of new play readings with A Distinct Society Written and directed by Kareem Fahmy Sunday, May 16-20, 2021 Northlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, continues to engage audiences with its commitment to developing new work with free Interplay readings. A Distinct Society, written and directed by Kareen Fahmy, premieres Sunday, May 16, 2021 at 6:30pm. The cast of A Distinct Society includes Barzin Akhavan, Declan Desmond, Marika Engelhardt, Susaan Jamshidi, and Kevin Minor. The dramaturg is Leean Kim Torske. The Zoom Coordinator is Sophia Danielle-Grenier A quiet library that straddles the border of the U.S. and Canada becomes an unlikely crucible for five people from around the world. When an Iranian family, separated from one another by the "Muslim ban," use the library as a meeting place, the head librarian, a U.S. border patrol officer, and a local teenager have to choose between breaking the law and saving themselves. The play is set in the main reading room of the Haskell Free Library & Opera House, located on the border between Derby Line, Vermont, and Stanstead, Quebec. While the library and the circumstances around it are real, the characters and events in this play are entirely fictional. A Reuter’s feature about the library is available here. The reading is part of Northlight’s Interplay New Play Development program, providing customized support for new work in the critical stages of early play development. The premieres will be followed by a live Q&A with the director and playwright. Recordings of each play will be available for 96 hours following the premiere. Interplay events are FREE with a suggested donation, but registration is required to receive a viewing link. The reading premieres Sunday, May 16, 2021 at 6:30pm with a live post-show discussion, streaming through May 20, 2021. To register, and for additional details, visit  northlight.org/events/interplay-distinct-society/. ABOUT THE ARTISTS Kareem Fahmy (Playwright/Director) is a Canadian-born playwright and director of Egyptian descent and is currently a TCG Rising Leader of Color. His plays, which include American Fast, A Distinct Society, The Triumphant, Pareidolia, The In-Between, and an adaptation of the acclaimed Egyptian novel The Yacoubian Building, have been developed at the Atlantic Theatre Company, New York Stage & Film, Oregon Contemporary Theatre, Capital Repertory Theatre, TheatreWorks Silicon Valley, Northlight Theatre, Target Margin Theater, The Lark, Fault Line Theater, and Noor Theater. He has directed and developed new plays at theaters around the country, including MCC, Ensemble Studio Theatre, The New Group, New Dramatists, The Civilians, Geva Theatre, Pioneer Theatre, Portland Stage, Silk Road Rising, San Diego Rep, and Berkeley Rep. Fellowships/Residencies: Sundance Theatre Lab, Oregon Shakespeare Festival (Phil Killian Directing Fellow), The O’Neill (National Directors Fellow), Second Stage (Van Lier Directing Fellow), Soho Rep (Writer/Director Lab), Lincoln Center (Directors Lab), New York Theater Workshop (Emerging Artist Fellow & Usual Suspect). Kareem is co-founder of the Middle Eastern American Writers Lab at The Lark and of Maia Directors, a consulting group for organizations and artists engaging with stories from the Middle East. MFA in Theatre Directing: Columbia University. www.kareemfahmy.com Barzin Akhavan (Peyman Gilani) Broadway: Network (Belasco). NYC: Macbeth (CSC), Richard II (Public/WNYC), Hamlet (Waterwell), Richard II (Public/WNYC). International Tour: Aftermath (Arktype). Regional: Pericles (Guthrie and Folger Theatre), Arabian Nights (Arena, Berkeley Rep, Lookingglass), A Thousand Splendid Suns (World Premiere, ACT SF and Theatre of Calgary), Shakespeare in Love (Baltimore Center Stage and Cincinnati Playhouse), The Kite Runner (World Premiere, San Jose Rep and Arizona Theatre Company), and Twelfth Night (Seattle Rep). He spent five seasons with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, four seasons with the Lake Take Shakespeare Festival, and one season with the Colorado Shakespeare Festival. Film and TV credits include Joyful, The Blacklist, Chicago Med, Girls5Eva, Smash, and Law and Order CI. Declan Desmond (Declan Sheehan), making his Northlight debut, has worked with many Chicago theaters, including The Gift, Goodman Theatre, Marriott, Lookingglass, and Writers Theatre. He is currently finishing his junior year at Boston University, where he also studies acting. In his free time, he likes to practice singing, the guitar, and the violin while also coincidentally reading DC comics. He’s honored to be performing and can’t wait until theater can be performed live. Now more than ever people are yearning for connection, and the theater connects like no other art form. Thanks to all of his mentors, friends, and family who made this possible and always support him in his projects. Marika Engelhardt (Manon Desjardins) Theatrical credits include The Goodman Theatre, Steep Theatre, American Blues, A Red Orchid, Chicago Dramatists, and the Comedie Francaise in Paris. Television credits: Empire, Chicago Fire, The Chi, Easy on Netflix, Amazon's Patriot, and HBO's Somebody, Somewhere. Recent films include Come as You Are which premiered at SXSW, and a starring role in Knives and Skin, which premiered last year at the Berlin and Tribeca film festivals. Her performance was named one of the "Top Ten Performances of Tribeca 2019" by Entertainment Tonight. She is a graduate of the DePaul Theatre School where she is also an adjunct professor. Susaan Jamshidi (Shirin Gilani) is a Chicago based actor (SAG/AFTRA, AEA) and is participating in her second workshop of A Distinct Society. She recently performed in several shows at Goodman Theatre: A Christmas Carol '19 and '20 (the latter which was produced as a free streaming audio play), The Winter’s Tale, and Rohina Malik's Yasmina’s Necklace. Chicago credits include work with Lookingglass, Victory Gardens, Drury Lane, The Gift, Northlight, Remy Bumppo, Theatre Wit, and Sideshow Theatre Company (Jeff Award for Best Ensemble – Idomeneus), among others. International tours: Oh My Sweet Land (London/Toronto/Vancouver with Silk Road Rising). Regional theater credits include Arena Stage, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, and Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, among others. Film and television credits include Little Nations, Cicero in Winter, The Wallet, Chicago Med, Chicago P.D. and Sirens. Susaan earned her MFA from DePaul University and is represented by Paonessa Talent. Susaan is also an avid potter. You can follow her on Instagram @susaanlayla and @littlefigwheelworks Kevin Minor (Bruce Laird) (he/him/his) is a Chicago-based actor, director, and budding playwright. Kevin is currently a theatre teacher at Niles West and Niles North High schools in Skokie, IL. As an actor, Kevin has worked at numerous theatre companies including Asolo Repertory, Contemporary American Theatre Festival, Writers Theatre, Virginia Repertory, St. Louis Shakespeare, Tennessee Williams Theatre Festival, Heritage Theatre Festival, Slightly Askew Theatre, and many others. Kevin is represented by Stewart Talent. ABOUT INTERPLAY Since its inception in 2006, Northlight’s Interplay Program has invested in provocative new works by American and international playwrights, providing customized support in the critical stages of early play development. Through Interplay, Northlight seeks to serve the specific needs of the play and can provide playwright commissions, workshops with actors, and private or public readings. The public reading series is an instrumental part of the Interplay program, providing audiences the opportunity to participate in a part of the evolutionary process from initial idea to full theatrical production, including first-hand insight from the playwright. Also through the reading series, the playwright has the opportunity to hear audience response that is integral to shaping the play for full production. As of 2020, Interplay has provided support for 40 new plays, 33 of which have gone on to full productions – some at Northlight and others around the country, including the Goodman Theatre, the Humana Festival, TheatreWorks, and off-Broadway. Four plays have continued on to acclaim at Ireland’s famed Galway International Arts Festival. That staggering success rate has established Interplay as a valuable incubator for new work in the American theatre, and has helped cement Northlight’s national reputation as an important contributor to the American theatrical canon. Support for new play development and this reading, available at no cost to general and student audiences, comes from The Ralla Klepak Foundation for Education in the Performing Arts; The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation; ComEd, An Exelon Company; BMO Harris Bank; The Sullivan Family Foundation; Illinois Arts Council, a state agency; The Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation; the John R. Halligan Fund; the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation; and Evanston Community Foundation. Northlight Theatre aspires to promote change of perspective and encourage compassion by exploring the depth of our humanity across a bold spectrum of theatrical experiences, reflecting our community to the world and the world to our community. Founded in 1974, the organization has mounted over 220 productions, including more than 40 world premieres. Northlight has earned 208 Joseph Jefferson Award nominations and 36 Awards, as well as ten Edgerton Foundation for New Play Awards. As one of the area’s premier theatre companies, Northlight is a regional magnet for critical and professional acclaim, as well as talent of the highest quality. Northlight is supported in part by generous contributions from Allstate Insurance; the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation; BMO Harris Bank; Bulley and Andrews; The Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation; ComEd, An Exelon Company; The Davee Foundation; Evanston Arts Council; Evanston Community Foundation; Lloyd A. Fry Foundation; Full Circle Foundation; John R. Halligan Fund; Illinois Arts Council, a state agency; Illinois Humanities; Katten Muchin Roseman LLP; Kirkland & Ellis Foundation; Margaret and Paul Lurie; The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation; Jackie Mack and More; Colonel Stanley R. McNeil Foundation; Modestus Bauer Foundation; National Endowment for the Arts; Niles Township; NorthShore University HealthSystems; Northwestern University; The Offield Family Foundation; The Pauls Foundation; PNC Bank; Polsinelli; Ralla Klepak Trust for the Performing Arts; Room & Board; Sanborn Family Foundation; Dr. Scholl Foundation; The Shubert Foundation, Inc.; Skokie Community Foundation; The Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust; The Sullivan Family Foundation; and Tom Stringer Design Partners.

[jordansamrich]

Inspector Calls - FSU/Asolo Rep

[its-michael-emerson]

A BENEFIT READING

Carrie Preston

CARRIE PRESTON is an Emmy Award Winning Actress best known for playing Arlene Fowler on HBO's TRUE BLOOD, as well as the scatterbrained, genius lawyer Elsbeth Tascioni on THE GOOD WIFE (for which she won the Emmy), subsequently reprising that role on the spin-off, THE GOOD FIGHT. She also recurred as Mr. Finch's love interest, Grace, on PERSON OF INTEREST. Carrie currently plays Polly, a Floridian manicurist who is involved with the Dixie mafia, on TNT’s hit series CLAWS.

Other screen work includes Netflix’s feature film TO THE BONE with Keanu Reeves and Lily Collins, HAPPYISH on Showtime, GRACE AND FRANKIE with Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda; HBO’s GETTING ON; DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES; THE FOLLOWING; PRIVATE PRACTICE; LOST; ROYAL PAINS; NUMBERS; ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT; two killers and two victims on four different episodes of LAW AND ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT and SVU.

Also a director/producer with Daisy 3 Pictures, she directed the feature THAT'S WHAT SHE SAID, starring Anne Heche, Marcia DeBonis and Alia Shawkat which premiered at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival and is available on all platforms. Her latest directorial projects are  DARWIN: THE SERIES available online and the stand-up comedy film HAPPY LUCKY GOLDEN TOFU PANDA DRAGON GOOD TIME FUN FUN SHOW, starring Kate Rigg, based on her live stage show.

Michael Emerson

After many years of performing in the South, Michael made his New York debut in the role of “Oscar Wilde” in Moises Kaufman’s Gross Indecency.  He subsequently appeared on Broadway in The Iceman Cometh and Hedda Gabler. His turn as serial-killer “William Hinks” on The Practice (ABC) won Michael the first of his two Emmy Awards. The second was for his portrayal of fan-favorite “Benjamin Linus” on the long running series Lost (ABC) where Variety named him “one of the greatest villains in television history”. Most recently, Michael appeared as “Harold Finch” in the hit drama series Person of Interest (CBS). Michael is married to Macon native Carrie Preston and they live in New York with a little gray dog.

John G. Preston

Mr. Preston most recently appeared as Capulet in R&J, both Dukes in As You Like It and Henslowe in Shakespeare In Love at the Utah Shakespeare Festival. Other roles include, Charles Strickland in the Philadelphia Theatre Co. production of Race, Dr. Wilson in the Slant Theater Project’s production of Binge at the Drilling Company, Bart Henely in the Mint Theater’s production of So Help Me God, Cameron Parker in Taboos (U.S. Premiere) at Soho Playhouse, Lord Leonard Astor in Peter and the Starcatchers at La Jolla Playhouse, Bernard Kersal in The Constant Wife at Asolo Rep, Les Liaisons Dangereuses and The Unexpected Guest at Syracuse Stage, Pure Confidenceat The Cincinnati Playhouse, Othello at Georgia Shakespeare, As You Like It at the New York Shakespeare Festival, Taming of the Shrew and After Ashley at The Denver Center, The Real Thing at Syracuse Stage, Rough Crossing and Ladies of the Camellias at Yale Rep.

He spent most of his theatrical career as an Associate Artist and Resident Company Member of the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, where he performed such roles as Malvolio in Twelfth Night, Petruchio in the Taming of the Shrew, Caliban in The Tempest, Edmund in King Lear, Oberon in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Philip the Bastard in King John, Touchstone in As You Like It, and Ajax in Troilus and Cressida.

Elisabeth Preston

Elisabeth Preston is thrilled to be joining her husband on stage for the first time ever! She can think of no better occasion than to honor and celebrate Theatre Macon’s Jim Crisp, as he was the very special officiant who married them four years ago.

Though Elisabeth hails from Kansas, she now calls New York home, and was most recently seen as a Witch and Lady Macduff with South Brooklyn Shakespeare’s production of Macbeth. Other recent NY credits: Macbeth of the Oppressed (Banquo) with FabMarquee Productions; Within the Law (Mary Turner) at Metropolitan Playhouse; Taming of the Shrew (Petruchio) Sir Patient Fancy (Wittmore), and As You Like It (Rosalind) with The Queen’s Company – an all-female classical troupe.

Elisabeth has worked regionally in theater, film, and commercial, having received her bachelor’s in Theater from The University of Kansas and MFA in Acting from The Florida State University Asolo Conservatory (yet another reason she is quite fond of Jim, a fellow alum). Proud member Actor’s Equity Association and SAG-AFTRA.

Elisabeth enjoys cooking exotic recipes, reading books on psychology, and balancing her artistic endeavors by playing the role of sales trainer at Broadridge Financial Solutions during the day.  

ONE NIGHT ONLY!

Saturday, Sept 30 @ 8:00 PMGeneral Admission $50VIP* $100

BUY TICKETS

Source: Theatre Macon

[showbizchicago]

Griffin Helmed INTO THE WOODS Extends Run At Writers Theatre

Writers Theatre, under the leadership of Artistic Director Michael Halberstam and Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma, adds five performances to the run of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s musical masterpiece Into the Woods, directed by Gary Griffin. Into the Woods now runs through September 29, 2019 in the Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Theatre at 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe. Newly added performances for Into the Woods are Thursday, September 26 at 7:30pm; Friday, September 27 at 7:30pm; Saturday, September 28 at 3pm and 7:30pm; and Sunday, September 29 at 2pm.  When a childless baker and his wife set out to lift their family curse by journeying into the woods, they encounter Jack (with his beanstalk), Cinderella (and her prince) and Little Red Riding Hood (and her wolf)! These familiar characters find themselves in decidedly unfamiliar circumstances and must brave the darkness of the woods in an effort to break the curse, conquer their fears and find out if what they’ve always wished for is what they truly want.  This epic fairy tale adventure is reimagined in a newly-configured Nichols Theatre staged “in the round,” drawing audiences into a theatrical experience unlike anything previously seen at WT! With its celebrated score, stirring script and an extraordinary team of artists bringing it all to life, Into the Woods launched WT's 2019/20 Season as the musical theatre event of the season. Chicago and Broadway Director Gary Griffin (Parade) returned to stage this Tony Award-winning musical about fairy tales, family and what happens after “happily ever after.”  The cast of Into the Woods includes: Nicole Armold (Lucinda), Ben Barker (Jack), Alex Benoit (Rapunzel’s Prince), Brianna Borger (Baker’s Wife), William Brown (Mysterious Man/Cinderella’s Father), McKinley Carter (Jack’s Mother), Matt Edmonds (Steward/Wolf), Lucy Godínez (Little Red Riding Hood), Michael Halberstam (Narrator), Kelli Harrington (Cinderella’s Stepmother), Molly Hernández (Florinda), Cecilia Iole (Rapunzel), Michael Mahler (The Baker), Ryan McBride (Cinderella’s Prince), Harriet Nzinga Plumpp (Cinderella’s Mother/Granny), Mary Poole (Milky White), Ximone Rose (Cinderella), Bethany Thomas (Witch) and Jonathan Weir (Mysterious Man/Cinderella’s Father beginning 9/17). The band consists of Charlotte Rivard-Hoster (Piano-Conductor), Jeff Handley and Brandon Podjasek (Percussion) and Mike Matlock (Woodwinds.) The creative team for Into the Woods includes: Scott Davis (Scenic Designer), Mara Blumenfeld (Costume Designer), Lee Fiskness (Lighting Designer), Christopher M. LaPorte (Sound Designer), Seph Mozes (Dramaturg), Nick Moran (CFM Contractor), Sophiyaa Nayaar (Assistant Director), Sasha Smith (Intimacy & Fight Director), Geoff Button (Casting Director), Binder Casting (Casting Consultant), and Katie Klemme (Production Stage Manager). Single tickets for Into the Woods are priced $50 - $80 and are available at www.writerstheatre.org, by phone at 847-242-6000, or in person at the box office at 325 Tudor Court in Glencoe. ABOUT THE ARTISTS Gary Griffin (Director) previously directed Parade, The Detective’s Wife and Loot at Writers Theatre. Victory Gardens Theater: Fun Home, Hand to God, Never the Sinner, Appropriate. London: Pacific Overtures (Donmar Warehouse, Olivier Award, Best Musical Production and Olivier Nominee, Best Director). Broadway: Honeymoon in Vegas, The Color Purple. Off-Broadway: Saved (Playwrights Horizons); The Apple Tree, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Pardon My English, The New Moon (Encores). Regional: Antony and Cleopatra, Camelot, West Side Story (Stratford Festival); work at McCarter, Alliance, Hartford Stage, Signature, Kansas City Rep., The Muny. Chicago: Road Show, Gypsy, Sunday in the Park With George, Follies, Amadeus, A Little Night Music, Pacific Overtures (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre); The Merry Widow, The Mikado, Oklahoma (Lyric Opera of Chicago); 10 Joseph Jefferson Awards for Directing. Matt Deitchman (Music Director & Orchestrations) returns to Writers Theatre where he previously music directed TREVOR the musical. He previously understudied The Hunter and the Bear. Matt Deitchman is a New York based music director, orchestrator, actor, composer and multi-instrumentalist. Most recently in Chicagoland he was seen on stage at the Paramount Theatre in the world premiere of August Rush, directed by John Doyle. Other Chicago music credits include: She Loves Me, Shrek, Spring Awakening, October Sky, The King And I, HERO (Marriott Theatre), Tug of War, Road Show, Peter Pan, Madagascar, Seussical, Shrek (Chicago Shakespeare Theater), Indecent (Victory Gardens Theatre), The Wizard Of Oz (Paramount Theatre), The Man Who Murdered Sherlock Holmes (Mercury Theater Chicago), Adding Machine, Into The Woods (The Hypocrites), Wonderland…Alice’s Rock ‘n Roll Adventure (Chicago Children’s Theater), La Révolution Française (FWD Theater Project), Ragtime, 25th Annual…Spelling Bee (Griffin Theatre), Ghost Bike, She Kills Monsters (Buzz22 Chicago), The Pajama Game, Do I Hear A Waltz? (Music Theatre Company). Regional credits include: Shakespeare Theatre Co., Adirondack Theatre Festival, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Door Shakespeare. He served as a contributing orchestrator to the LETTERS TO THE PRESIDENT concert at Cooper Union in NYC. Deitchman has previously worked as a vocal coach for the Northwestern University Musical Theater department, where he received his degree in Theatre and Musical Theatre and studied acting under Mary Poole. He is a proud member of the American Federation of Musicians, American Guild of Musical Artists, and Actors’ Equity Association and is represented by Stewart Talent.  Aubrey Adams (Choreographer) returns to Writers Theatre where she previously choreographed TREVOR the musical. She is a Chicago performer as well as a Jeff Award winning choreographer. Choreography credits include: Company (Mercury Theatre), Bonnie & Clyde (Kokandy Theatre Company), Guys and Dolls (Northwestern University), 110 in the Shade, Urinetown (BoHo Theatre, Jeff Award 2017), Associate Choreographer: Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (Porchlight Music Theatre). Assistant Choreographer: Music Man (Goodman Theatre), Shrek (Marriott Theatre), Mamma Mia and A Christmas Story (Paramount Theatre). Nicole Armold (Lucinda) Some recent Chicago credits include: Mary Poppins, Pippin, Company, Christmas Schooner (Mercury Theater), Ride the Cyclone, Sense and Sensibility (Chicago Shakespeare Theater), How to Succeed..., The Merry Widow (Music Theater Works) and Into the Woods (Metropolis). She received her BFA in Musical Theatre from the Chicago College of Performing Arts. Ben Barker (Jack) Chicago credits include Willard in Footloose, Moritz in Spring Awakening, O’Dell in October Sky (Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre), Frederic in The Pirates of Penzance, the title role in Candide (Music Theater Works), Les Misérables (Paramount Theatre) and Sweeney Todd (Porchlight Music Theatre). Regional credits include Montana Shakespeare in the Parks’ A Little Night Music, Twelfth Night, The Comedy of Errors and Richard IIIand the Palace Theater in the Dells’ A Christmas Carol. Northwestern alum. Alex Benoit (Rapunzel’s Prince) Alex spent the last four years competing overseas for Team USA as a National and World Ranked Ice Dancer. Upon retiring from Ice Dance, Alex transitioned into the world of professional acting, in the Michigan premier of Daddy Long Legs (Dio Theatre) before returning home to Chicago. Chicago Regional Credits include: Rudolpho in Matilda, Mamma Mia! (Drury Lane) and Something in the Game (American Music Theatre Project). Brianna Borger (Baker’s Wife) Chicago: Southern Gothic (World Premiere, Windy City Playhouse), The King & I (Joseph Jefferson Award Nomination - Best Actress), Into the Woods (Porchlight Music Theatre), The Christmas Schooner, The Bardy Bunch (Mercury Theatre), Billy Elliot, Bye Bye Birdie (Drury Lane) and The Three Musketeers (World Premiere, Chicago Shakespeare Theater). Regional: The Full Monty (Peninsula Players), Always... Patsy Cline, Nunsense (The Armory), Beauty & the Beast (Northern Stage), Assassins and Love's Labours Lost (Alaska Shakespeare Festival). Touring: The King & I (Broadway Asia). So very proud to be part of the Chicago theatre community, and always honored to come home to Writers Theatre. Brianna also teaches musical theatre voice and audition technique for students and professionals. William Brown (Mysterious Man/Cinderella’s Father) Bill has directed 20 productions at American Players Theatre in Spring Green, Wisconsin, including The Recruiting Officer, Three Sisters, King Lear, Travesties, The Importance of Being Earnest, All My Sons, Troilus and Cressida, The Critic, Hay Fever, The Comedy of Errors, Night of the Iguana, Antony and Cleopatra, All’s Well That Ends Well, You Never Can Tell and The Matchmaker. He directed and wrote (with Doug Frew) To Master the Art for TimeLine Theatre Company where he is an Associate Artist and most recently directed the world premiere of Susan Felder’s Wasteland. He has directed four plays at Northlight, including his own adaptation with music of She Stoops to Conquers. He directed Skylight at Court Theatre and at Indiana Rep, Around the World in Eighty Days and Fallen Angels. He is the Associate Artistic Director of Montana Shakespeare in the Parks, where he has directed and acted since 1980. He regularly teaches and directs at universities across the country, most recently Loyola University Chicago, University of Houston, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Northwestern. As an actor Brown has appeared in over a hundred productions. He appeared as Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol at Goodman Theatre where he also appeared in Light up the Sky, Sunday in the Park with George, The Misanthrope and Wings. At Court Theatre, he appeared as Falstaff in Henry IV, Jack in The Importance of Being Earnest and Almady in The Play's The Thing. He created the role of Jody in Steven Dietz’s Lonely Planet (Northlight Theatre). Brown received a Joseph Jefferson Award for Best Director for The Liar (Writers Theatre) and a Best Actor award for his portrayal of Henry Kissinger in Nixon’s Nixon (Writers Theatre).  He received a 2010 Spirit of Diversity Award from Actors’ Equity Association and was named Chicagoan of the Year for Theatre by the Chicago Tribune in 2003. McKinley Carter (Jack’s Mother) Chicago credits include Mamma Mia, Ragtime (Drury Lane Oakbrook), Macbeth (Chicago Shakespeare Theater), Blind Date, Turn of the Century, The Visit, Floyd Collins (Goodman Theatre) The Book of Will(Northlight Theatre), Fun Home (Victory Gardens Theater) The Man Who Murdered Sherlock Holmes (Mercury Theater Chicago), The Merry Widow, Carousel (Lyric Opera of Chicago), Road Show, Julius Caesar, Sunday in the Park with George (Chicago Shakespeare Theater), My Way (Theatre At the Center), Putting It Together (Porchlight Music Theatre), The Sound of Music, John and Jen (Apple Tree Theatre), James Joyce’s The Dead, Cymbeline and Pericles (Court Theatre). Matt Edmonds (Steward/Wolf) A Chicago native, Matt Edmonds has been performing in the area for about ten years. Recent work includes: Murder For Two (Marriott Lincolnshire, Milwaukee Repertory Theatre), Forever Plaid, Pump Boys & Dinettes, Big River (Theatre at the Center), Ragtime (Griffin Theatre, Jeff Award for Best Musical), Death of a Salesman, All-American (Redtwist Theatre, Jeff Nominations for Best Supporting - Play), Rent (Theo Ubique, Jeff Award for Best Musical), James and the Giant Peach (Drury Lane Oakbrook) and The Last Five Years(Metropolis Performing Arts Center). Regionally, Matt’s performed in Next to Normal (TheatreSquared) and Twelfth Night (Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival). Lucy Godínez (Little Red Riding Hood) Regional Chicago credits include Footloose (Ariel, Marriott Theater), In The Heights (Nina, Porchlight Music Theater), Legally Blonde (Serena, Paramount Theater), Hair (Jeannie, Mercury Theater Chicago), as well as the upcoming Oliver! (Nancy, Marriott Theater) this Fall. She is recent graduate of Northwestern University. Michael Halberstam (Narrator) has appeared in numerous Writers Theatre productions, including Two By Shaw, Oscar Remembered, Richard II (title role), Loot, Misalliance and for a number of years his annual one man performance of A Christmas Carol. Michael is also the Artistic Director of Writers Theatre and returns to the stage for the first time in 17 years. Previously, he spent two years at The Stratford Festival in Ontario where he performed in Timon of Athens, The Knight of the Burning Pestle (title role), Much Ado About Nothing and As You Like It. Halberstam’s other Chicago acting credentials include productions with The Bailiwick, Lifeline, Oak Park Shakespeare, Live Bait, Wisdom Bridge, Court and Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Kelli Harrington (Cinderella’s Stepmother) Kelli Harrington's Chicago credits include Jeff Award-winning performances of The Light in the Piazza and Aspects of Love (Best Actress in a Musical) and Jeff nominations for The Bridges of Madison County, A Little Night Music (Best Lead Performance in a Musical), Masterclass (Best Actress in a Play) and Perfect Arrangement (Best Supporting Performance in a Play). She has performed locally with Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Marriott Lincolnshire, The Hypocrites, Porchlight Music Theatre, TimeLine, BoHo Theatre Company and Pride Films and Plays. She holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in voice from Northwestern University and has taught voice in the Musical Theatre department at the Chicago Academy for the Arts since 2000. Molly Hernández (Florinda) Favorite credits: María Elena in The Buddy Holly Story (American Blues Theater, Jeff Award), June Bennett in Into the Breeches (Northlight Theatre), Sophie DePalma in Masterclass (TimeLine Theatre), Rosabella in The Most Happy Fella (Theo Ubique, Jeff Nomination) and Julie Jordan in Carousel (Timber Lake Playhouse). In 2017 she received the Award of Excellence in Professional Theatre from the Illinois Theatre Association. Molly can be seen on Chicago P.D.(NBC) ep. 512 and APB (Fox) ep. 105. Molly is currently represented by Gray Talent Group and is a recent graduate of the Actors Gymnasium Circus School Professional Training Program. Cecilia Iole (Rapunzel) Chicago credits include Johanna in Sweeney Todd (Paramount Theatre, Theo Ubique), Master Class (TimeLine Theatre), Pirates of Penzance, Candide (Music Theatre Works) and Porchlight’s New Faces Sing Broadway Now. She has worked regionally at Clarence Brown Theatre and Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre. She holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Arizona. Michael Mahler (The Baker) Recent credits include: Holiday Inn, Honeymoon in Vegas, City of Angels (Marriott Theatre), Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, Little Shop of Horrors, Side Man, Hank Williams: Lost Highway, It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago (American Blues), The March (Steppenwolf Theatre), Working (Broadway in Chicago), The Fox on the Fairway, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, The Producers (Theatre at the Center) and The Illusion (Court). Michael is the Jeff award-winning composer/lyricist of Miracle the Musical, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, The Man Who Murdered Sherlock Holmes, October Sky, Hero, the upcoming Secret of My Success and others. He also contributed additional lyrics to Cameron Mackintosh’s most recent Broadway revival of Miss Saigon. Michael is currently collaborating with playwright Randall Colburn on an original musical for Writers Theatre about Jim Jones. He also served as music director of Gary Griffin’s production of Road Show at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Michael is a proud ensemble member of American Blues Theater and Actors Equity. Ryan McBride (Cinderella’s Prince) Credits include: Noises Off (Windy City Playhouse), Continuity (Goodman Theatre), Shakespeare in Love, Julius Caesar (Chicago Shakespeare Theater), West Side Story, Mamma Mia! (Paramount Theatre), Footloose (Marriott Theatre), Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Chicago Symphony Orchestra with CST), Linda, Brilliant Adventures, Fallow (Steep Theatre), Sita Ram (Lookingglass Theatre Company and Chicago Children’s Choir), Letter’s Home and Ghosts of War (Griffin Theatre Company). National Tour: Evil Dead The Musical! Regional: Hand to God (Studio Theatre, Helen Hayes Nominee). TV: Empire, Proven Innocent (FOX), Chicago Med, Chicago Justice (NBC) and The CHI (Showtime).  Mary Poole (Milky White) is a Chicago teacher who acts, past performances include London Wall, Flare Path, Stage Door (Griffin Theatre), Three Sisters (Hypocrites), The Size of the World (Red Twist), Love and Information (Remy Bumppo) and multiple old ladies at Victory Gardens, Apple Tree, Wagon Wheel, and Northwestern University, where she serves as Head of Acting and Associate Chair. Harriet Nzinga Plumpp (Cinderella’s Mother/Granny) makes her Writers Theatre debut. Harriet Nzinga Plumpp has been performing on stages professionally since she was 7 1/2 years old, starting with singing in the Chicago Children's Choir. Harriet has collaborated with Harold Prince, Frank Galati, Gary Griffin, Stephen Sondheim, Stephen Flaherty, Barbara Gaines, Tom Murray, Charles Newell, George Hern, Bob Mason, Roberta Duchak, Doug Peck, Diana Basmajian and Amber Mak at The Goodman Theater, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Court Theater, The Lyric Opera, Ravinia Festival and Paramount Theatre. You might have seen her recently soaring in the air as Glinda in Paramount Theatre's Wizard of Oz and listening intently to Matilda as Mrs. Phelps at Drury Lane Oakbrook Theater in Matilda the Musical. Ximone Rose (Cinderella), Performer & singer-songwriter. New Orleans native. University of Michigan Musical Theatre Program. Broadway: Once On This Island (Storyteller). 1st National: Beautiful (Lucille). Regional: MTW, Fulton Theatre, Old Globe. CGF Talent.  Bethany Thomas (Witch) Bethany is a Chicago-based actor and singer, most recently in the US Premiere of the one woman show Songs For Nobodies at Milwaukee Rep. Chicago credits include The Tempest (Chicago Shakespeare Theater), Porgy and Bess (Serena) at Court Theatre, Marry Me A Little, Into The Woods, Nine, In Trousers (Porchlight Music Theater)  Hair (Paramount Theatre), Fiorello! (TimeLine Theatre) also work with Second City, AboutFace Theatre, The Inconvenience, Theo Ubique, Congo Square, Drury Lane Oakbrook, Theatre at the Center, Marriott Lincolnshire, Hell In A Handbag and American Theater Company. Regional credits include Iphigenia In Aulis (Getty Villa), The Color Purple (Sofia), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Armelia), Ragtime, Man Of La Mancha, A Christmas Carol at Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Hairspray (Motormouth Maybelle) at Skylight Music Theater and Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey II) at Geva Theatre. Bethany appeared in the second seasons of Empire (FOX) and You're So Talented (OpenTV) and is a proud recipient of a Joseph Jefferson Award, an After Dark Award and a Black Theatre Alliance Award. As a singer/songwriter, Bethany is a regular performer at The Paper Machete, The Hideout and in Steppenwolf's LookOut series. She's done concerts for WBEZ, WFMT, WTTW and the Chicago Humanities Festival, and was a featured local artist in Renee Fleming’s Chicago Voices Project at the Lyric Opera. She is one quarter of the alt-country project Jon Langford's Four Lost Souls, (self-titled album out on Bloodshot Records) and released an EP of her own music called First. Look out next year for her debut album. Jonathan Weir (Mysterious Man/Cinderella’s Father, beginning 9/17) Chicago: King Charles, Twelfth Night, The Emperors New Clothes (Chicago Shakespeare Theater), 2666, Candide, A Christmas Carol, The Visit (Goodman Theatre), Stepping Out (Steppenwolf Theatre Company), The Merry Widow starring the luminescent Renee Fleming (Lyric Opera Chicago) Billy Elliot, City of Angels, The Most Happy Fella, Gypsy, Ragtime (Drury Lane Oakbrook), Funny Girl, The First, Bye Bye Birdie and History Loves Company (Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre). Regional: Montana Shakespeare, Skylight Opera Theatre, The Shakespeare Theatre Company, Next Act Theatre and Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival. Broadway: The Lion King. Currently on leave from the North American Tour of Disney’s Aladdin, where he performs the role of Jafar since originating the role in Chicago in April 2017. Other National Tours: Jersey Boys, The Lion King and Scrooge the Musical.  AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT Post-Show Conversation: The Word Join us after every Tuesday evening performance (excluding First Week and any extension weeks) for a 15-minute discussion of the play, facilitated by a member of the WT Artistic Team. Post-Show Conversation: The Artist Join us after every Wednesday evening performance (excluding First Week and any extension weeks) for a 15-minute talk-back featuring actors from the production, facilitated by a member of the WT Artistic Team. Pre-show Conversation: Up Close Join us at 7pm in the Patron’s Lounge before every Thursday evening performance (excluding First Week and any extension weeks) for a 15-minute primer on the context and content of the play facilitated by a member of the WT Artistic Team. RIDE METRA TO WRITERS THEATRE In an effort to promote taking public transit to the Theatre, any audience member who purchases a ticket to a Writers Theatre production and rides Metra’s Union Pacific North Line to the Theatre may snap a photo of themselves on the train and post it to their social media account with a tag of @WritersTheatre (@Writers_Theatre on Instagram) and #IntotheWoodsWT, and upon showing the post at the Writers Theatre Box Office, receive $5 in cash to put toward the cost of your fare as a thank you for going green. This promotion is available for a limited time only and may end without warning. Ticket must have been paid for in advance. Not valid on comp tickets. More information available at writerstheatre.org/metra WRITERS THEATRE PARTNERS Writers Theatre is pleased to recognize BMO Harris Bank as the Season Sponsor and ComEd as the Official Lighting Sponsor of the 2019/20 Season. The Major Corporate Sponsor is Northern Trust.  The Lead Sponsor is Mary Pat Studdert and the Artists Council Sponsors are Susan and Don Belgrad and John and Francesca Edwardson. For more information about Writers Theatre’s 2019/20 partners, visit writerstheatre.org/our-supporters. ABOUT WRITERS THEATRE For more than 25 years, Writers Theatre has captivated Chicagoland audiences with inventive interpretations of classic work, a bold approach to contemporary theatre and a dedication to creating the most intimate theatrical experience possible. Under the artistic leadership of Michael Halberstam and the executive leadership of Kathryn M. Lipuma, Writers Theatre has grown to become a major Chicagoland cultural destination with a national reputation for excellence, being called the top regional theatre in the nation by The Wall Street Journal. The company, which plays to a sold-out and discerning audience of more than 60,000 patrons each season, has garnered critical praise for the consistent high quality and intimacy of its artistry—providing the finest interpretations of both classic and contemporary theatre in its two intensely intimate venues.  In February 2016, Writers Theatre opened a new, state-of-the-art facility. This established the company's first permanent home—a new theatre center in downtown Glencoe, designed by the award-winning, internationally renowned Studio Gang Architects, led by Founder and Design Principal Jeanne Gang, FAIA, in collaboration with Theatre Consultant Auerbach Pollock Friedlander. The new facility has allowed the Theatre to continue to grow to accommodate its audience, while maintaining its trademark intimacy. The new facility resonates with and complements the Theatre’s neighboring Glencoe community, adding tremendous value to Chicagoland and helping to establish the North Shore as a premier cultural destination. Find Writers Theatre on Facebook at Facebook.com/WritersTheatre, follow @WritersTheatre on Twitter or @Writers_Theatre on Instagram. For more information, visit www.writerstheatre.org. Read the full article